High School Coach Stole $80,000 from Elderly Woman

A community was shocked to learn that a former high school athlete and baseball coach stole $80,000 from an elderly woman.

The suspect, 60-year-old Richard 'Rick' Paul Counts, has been charged with making false entries in corporation books and exploitation of an elderly person. As a personal banker, Counts began withdrawing from his 80-year-old client"s accounts three years ago. Since then he has amassed a reported $80,000. It was Counts own employer, Wachovia, that brought the authorities to his door.

Investigators found several money orders and cashier"s checks made out in the woman"s name, which had been crossed out, and replaced with Counts own information. He then falsified bank documents to make it appear as though the money was going into the woman"s account.

If you have been accused of theft crimes or arrested for committing a theft crime, contact us today to discuss your legal options with an understanding Tampa criminal defense attorney.